Cleft Lip and Palate
Even though about 1 in 700 babies is born with cleft in the UK (that’s about 1000 each year) the cause of cleft lip and palate is not really understood. While we know what happens, we don’t know why it happens.
Sometimes clefts run in families and sometimes a baby is born with a cleft without anyone else in the family having one. Your cleft team will have more information about current research.
Your baby may need some treatment by members of your Cleft Lip and Palate team.
You should be told which hospital to attend as soon as you know your child has a cleft. If you are unclear about this, you should ask someone in your maternity unit. The specialists on the cleft lip and palate team will work with you to ensure that your child receives the treatment he or she needs. A cleft lip is usually repaired within the first 3-6 months of your baby’s life. A cleft palate is usually repaired a little later, probably by the time the baby is a year old. If there is a gap in the baby’s gums, this will be repaired as his or her second teeth are coming through.
Everyone will come to the Glasgow Children’s Hospital for their Cleft Surgery. Please click on arrows in the middle of the pictures opposite to watch videos before your visit.
More information
The ABG leaflet for children can be found by clicking on the image below:
You can also find out more about some of the specialties involved in cleft care by clicking on the words or images:
Clinical Psychology – Referral Form
Contact details for cleft co-ordinator
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital 0141 451 6524
Getting to the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow
Inside the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow
Information and support for teenagers aged 13 – 18 years can be found by clicking on the CLAPA logo.
